Five Dice

Score the most points by rolling dice combinations and strategically choosing scoring categories. After all 13 categories are filled by all players, add up total scores. Highest score wins. Maximum possible is 1575 points (with multiple Five of a Kind bonuses).

Use five standard dice and a score sheet with 13 categories. Each player takes turns until all 13 categories are filled. The game has an upper section (1s through 6s) and a lower section (special combinations).

Go for the upper section bonus (63 points) - it requires averaging 3 of each number. Five of a Kind bonuses are valuable - go for them when the dice allow. Don't waste the Chance category early - save it for a bad turn.

Five-dice scoring games go back to Yacht, a public-domain game from the early 20th century, and to Latin American Generala. The 13-category score sheet became the most widely played form, with Yatzy as its Scandinavian cousin.